Biotech Chat Career

One of BSNL's key initiatives is the "Biotech Chat" event, which provides a platform for facilitating knowledge exchange and networking among participants. Biotech chat events feature guest speakers from industry, startups or the public sector who share their work experiences on career transition post-academia, followed by interactive Q&A sessions. The event is an exceptional opportunity to gain insights into biotechnology from leading experts across the industry. Each speaker shares their unique perspectives on various topics and their career transition.

BSNL’s key role in organizing Biotech Chat Career

There is significant interest among academic researchers in learning how other former academics have successfully transitioned from academia to various careers outside the university. BSNL's mission is to identify diverse career paths available to academic researchers and support them in exploring these opportunities. Each year, BSNL hosts multiple "Biotech Chat Career" events, featuring compelling and inspiring speakers who share their career transition stories and valuable insights.

These "Biotech Chat Career" events typically attract between 60 and 100 participants per session.

My role for Biotech Chat

2022 events

In 2022, I aimed to deepen my understanding of project management, consulting, and non-profit organizations that support academics. To do so, I co-organized a Biotech Chat on Project Management with another non-profit organization from Lausanne. Following that, I partnered with McKinsey & Company to co-organize a Biotech Chat focused on consulting in life sciences. Finally, I led the organization of a Biotech Chat Career event centered on the BNF National Qualification Programme. This non-profit assists highly qualified professionals at career crossroads by providing personalized counseling, fostering professional networks, and offering targeted training to help them effectively leverage their expertise in the job market.

As the organizer of the Biotech Chat event, my responsibilities included:

  • Reaching out and establishing partnerships with relevant non-profit organizations and consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company.

  • Scheduling event dates, booking venues or virtual platforms, and ensuring necessary resources were available.

  • Preparing and distributing invitations and promotional materials to attract participants.

  • Working with guest speakers to outline their presentations and key points for discussion.

  • Acting as the main point of contact between all stakeholders, including co-organizers, guest speakers, and attendees.

  • Promoting the events through various channels, including social media, newsletters, and academic networks.

  • Facilitating the events to ensure discussions remained on topic and interactive.

  • Gathering feedback from attendees and speakers to assess the success of the events and identify areas for improvement.

  • 2 speakers

  • 60+ participants

  • 3 speakers & 2 recruiters

  • 120+ participants

  • 1 speaker

  • 75+ participants